Big Red’s Remodel: My Alternative to Vanlife
How to experience a nomadic lifestyle in an SUV
Daily scrolling through Instagram… I wanted it all: The big comfortable bed, the super nice cabinets, the cool sliding tables for my friends and me to sit around dinner, plenty of water onboard for my sink and shower, and the loving, supportive community surrounding it all.
The posh essentials to a successful vanlife. But how was my SUV supposed to fit in? My motivation levels to quit paying rent and start a nomadic lifestyle could not be any higher.
As per the Rolling Stones, while you can’t always get what you want, you may get something you need.
This is the story of Big Red — my aptly named 2010 Nissan Xterra S. Named after the iconic beverage and chewing gum: two of my favorite things. This narrative not only shares what it takes to construct a full-time nomadic-type lifestyle in an SUV but personally answers a tough question — How could old-fashioned car camping fit into vanlife?
The framework: Where it all began
Holy Moly…2020 was a crazy year! The pandemic had temporarily closed various Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T stores across town.
Walmart remained open as an essential business — including its electronics departments. Working as a mobile phone expert, we were soon flooded with new customers. These were extremely busy times for me — slinging hundreds of new phones and accessories a month.
Full-time employment as a third-party sales vendor working inside Walmart stores not only meant a better hourly wage but also killer sales commissions.
I had a strictl budgeted that put commissions towards extra payments on my student loans and old credit cards — I was finally getting closer to paying them off completely for good!
For years, I’d imagined having a big celebration BBQ to celebrate finally being completely debt-free. I’d invite all my friends and family, and announce that my next step in life would be touring the US on a bicycle while towing a small, handmade teardrop trailer as my home.
Over the summer, my dad and I had constructed a mock-up of this same trailer, using Elkin’s building plans I had purchased online. We simply used cardboard and duct tape to the exact specifications.
But.. the trailer was just too small. This mobile shelter felt like being crammed in a sardine can. Anything larger would poke out of the shoulder lanes and highly risk my personal safety.
Damn! Dreams of living a simple, bicycle nomad lifestyle were crushed. I was pretty heartbroken.
All I wanted was a quiet, simple lifestyle. I didn’t want to stress over a career, buying a house, and other urban challenges.
I turned to YouTube and found hundreds of people who were sharing their radical, alternative lifestyles. These individuals were using vans they had purchased and converted into their house full-time. Nice! A van could fit me and my minimal possessions. Plus, I could travel on major roads and highways, compared to traversing on a bicycle.
Researching more van conversions online, I was idolizing the people and places behind this massive #vanlife movement. I started planning and budgeting — knowing that it might take a few years and a larger, steady income to make my vanlife dreams a reality.
The daily driver I had at the time, my 2017 Kia Soul, was due back to the dealership in the next six months — an end of a 3-year Lease. Then, I was pretty set on vanlife!
When I started sending sales listings of new Transits, Sprinters and ProMasters to my parents for advice, I was asked to come over for dinner.
So, I got together a handful of sales listings, along with several pages of notes and handwritten measurements. I felt like a Real Estate agent — I could close on my next house tonight! Let’s do this!
Over dinner, the big conversation finally started. But, instead, my parents had told me that they wanted to upgrade to their next vehicle — since owning the Nissan Xterra brand new in 2010. They asked what I thought about owning the Xterra, offering to sell it to me for a price that I could easily afford. I’d feel pretty stupid if I turned down the offer!
I knew this next vehicle would be a great adventure rig!
Remembering a camping trip I shared with my Dad a few years prior — He had fit a large air mattress in the back of the Xterra with the back seats folded down to sleep on.
So, instead of having to invest $20k+ on a new van, and a massive build-out, I could spend more time exploring the outdoors on a lower budget — while sleeping inside the Xterra! Perfect!
I met my parents at the dealership later that month, to sign the Xterra payment towards the purchase of their next, new truck. Newly christened Big Red now stays in the family with an excited new owner! To top it all off, I had also sent my final payments to my old credit cards and student loans!!
Soon after officially taking ownership, Dad proposed an exciting idea to me: Building a removable sleeping platform to fit in the back of the Xterra. Something solid and more reliable than an air mattress.
Along with sleeping on a custom, comfortable memory foam mattress, I could also use the built-in sliding table out the back for cooking, coffee, playing cards, or whatever else I needed! Awesome!
The project had started, and my Uncle Jim had even stopped into town from his nomadic adventures to help Dad and I build the sleeping platform. My Uncle and my dad are two of the smartest people I know when it comes to carpentry and craftsmanship. Work on the project eventually progressed into the next year, as Dad and I were both busy working our other full-time jobs. The platform was finally finished at the beginning of March 2021.
Over the Christmas season, I was just exhausted from my sales job. Mixed with emotions and ideas about reducing the number of bills I had to pay each month — sleepless nights at home followed.
One bill always stuck out like a sore thumb: How could I eliminate my monthly rent? Removing that one single bill alone, meant that I could work much less.
I started thinking about the sleeping platform that would soon be installed in the Xterra. I’d have a comfortable bed and a solid roof over my head. What if I just showered at the gym? What if I just did laundry at the laundromat?
What if I just LIVED in the Xterra? The money I could save! Going on bigger adventures! Oh boy... My excitement levels skyrocketed! If I thought packing everything into a small bicycle trailer was possible — Well, now I own a bit of a larger space! It was time to start thinking about downsizing! Again!
The Trim: Downsizing into an SUV
Downsizing not only meant reducing my possessions from my bedroom closet and dresser, but it was time for me to get a different job. I didn’t want to stress anymore about meeting strict sales numbers every day. Now that I was saving over $400+ each month from paying credit cards and student loans, I could work somewhere less stressful.
I wouldn’t have to worry about my hours scheduled or my hourly pay (for the most part). I started a new job on January 1st, 2021, working at my favorite bowling alley! There would only be a couple more monthly rent payments through the winter season — then I was set on moving into Big Red full-time once the weather started to warm up! I couldn’t contain my excitement!
My first paycheck from the bowling alley was finally deposited! I zoomed over to the Walmart nearby after work.
I bought several items — the largest duffel bag in stock, a large garment cinch bag for dirty clothes, a cheap backpack for my “office”, another backpack for my new shower routines at the gym, and a low-profile tote that could easily fit next to my sleeping platform. I then rushed home and started emptying my dresser. Seasonal clothes like thermals, shorts, gloves, beanies, sweaters, hoodie and rain jacket were packed in the duffel bag. Undergarments were packed in a portable two-sided packing cube, in the duffel bag.
Next, I set up my shower routine in the baseball bat pack that I had found on clearance. I separated essential toiletries from dirty clothes, using two large ditty bags. I also had an old toiletry travel bag packed to store other items like my razors, shaving cream, beard oils and deodorant.
Then, packing my “office.” My laptop, assorted chargers, leather journal, notepad and a small zipper bag of pens, pencils, calculator, and other essentials were tucked away in the cheap backpack. Along with my big spiral-bound book of word searches.
Next, the low-profile plastic tote I purchased was used to store tools and essentials I needed when I was camping during my weekends. My Jetboil Flash, extra fuel, cook pot, paracord, knives, lighters, first aid kit, pint glasses, cleaning supplies, and other essential items were all arranged inside the tote.
I agree with Tom Petty who said in his song, “The Waiting,” that it’s the hardest part.
Everything was packed and stored for the meantime in my bedroom closet.
I was eagerly waiting. Days. Weeks. Months! Finally, March was here!
The weather was warming up and I was getting familiar with Big Red’s off-road capabilities during my time off work. Dad had then texted me to let me know that my new sleeping platform was finished, ready to be installed! I dropped Big Red off at my parent’s house that next day for the big install.
Later at work that night, I was sent a picture of my new bed! An apology followed — my truck would need to stay overnight to accommodate timing on the big finish. No worries!
The next afternoon, I picked up Big Red — my new full-time home on wheels!
I rushed home to budge everything I had packed in the preceding months into the Xterra. Then, I bought an expanding car closet rod, strapping it to the rear passenger grab handles using bungee cords. I decided to hang just 5 favorite t-shirts and 3 pairs of jeans. The rest were donated.
Things have changed a bit since then — The gray tote next to the duffel bag was acquired for food storage. But with quick gas station lunches and dinner meal tickets at work, I had no need for that extra tote!]
Finally — Everything I’d ever need on a daily basis was packed into the Xterra!
I proposed an end-of-rent agreement with my older brother, who I was living with at the time. If I could have 30 days to try living in my Xterra full-time — he could keep my dresser, my queen-size bed, and my relatively new mattress and box spring — in exchange for a monthly rent payment. His new guest room essentials. If things didn’t go to plan, I could move back into the same room I’d have. Done deal!
The next afternoon, I left my house keys on a short thank you note that I had written on the kitchen counter. I took one last picture outside of the big four walls I had grown accustomed to for years.
I waved goodbye to my brother’s cat, Jack, as he was watching me out the window. I took a deep breath, started the truck, and drove away — not looking back. March 8th, 2021, was the day I officially moved full time into Big Red — my Nissan Xterra SUV!
The foundation — car camping vs. vanlife
Living in the Xterra for the first few weeks, I was a little doubtful of talking to other Nomads and vanlifers about my new living situation. I’d share a summarized version of my living setup to new online acquaintances, and some would be quick to assume, “Ohh... car camping!” This was not a term that I was familiar with.
I found that car camping simply refers to the action of traveling in your car to go camping. Opposed to other traversing methods, such as backpacking. Instead — your tent, sleeping bag and other essentials are packed in your vehicle.
Assorted weekend campsites featured such amenities as steel campfire rings, BBQs, pit toilets (or structured restrooms with running water), and built-in shelters. All for a low fee ranging from $12-$18/night.
(Nowadays, I’ll avoid having to pay the fees associated with these campsites. Instead, with help from my Falcon Guide Books and apps like Google Maps, onX Offroad and iOverlander, I’ve found A TON of FREE Dispersed Camping spots on BLM Land here in Idaho during my weekends off work.)
If you were to compare car camping with nomadic vanlife, it boils down to just a few fundamentals. In my opinion, the practice of camping usually revolves around 1–3 overnight stays in an established campsite, typically out of town. You sleep in a tent, you make smores over the campfire, and hopefully you brought enough bug spray! Car camping is essentially the same concept — as you’re traveling to the campsite in a car. So…is there such a thing as a car camping vanlifer?
By definition, vanlife revolves around, “the lifestyle of living in your van (or vehicle) that has been modified with basic amenities, such as house batteries, solar panels, a bed platform, some form of toilet, sink and storage space.”
The key words I’m focused on: living in your van (or vehicle). Obviously, my Xterra isn’t a van. But I have my storage space, my bed platform, solar panel, and other essentials! It’s definitely an upgrade from the old-fashioned camping tent and sleeping bag! Mom, can I play with the vanlife kids??
Vanlifers can live on the road every day, working most jobs wherever they want — as long as they have cell phone or internet service.
Nowadays, I struggle to search for such a remote job where I can work on the road every day — being able to travel to new, desolate landscapes in my free time. Years of sales and retail experience mix with mental insecurities of not wanting to get into another long, stressful career.
Trust me, Bucket List locales by day, and camping in the woods each night would be a dream come true. But, I have to keep my current job in town to finance my auto loan payment, insurance, gas, and cell phone bills.
Living in town, after I’ve slept into a hot afternoon, I’m usually finding daily coffee shop drink specials, taking slow walks along our river’s Greenbelt through town, or finding a park to relax and catch up on daily word search and word searches.
During the workweek, I’ll park and rest overnights at the Cabela’s, Cracker Barrel, and various Planet Fitness locations across town, along with the T/A Truck Stop along the major highway.
I used to find somewhere to park and sleep on quiet neighborhood streets by friends’ or coworkers’ driveways, but those spaces now fill up fast from other neighbors. Such parking opportunities are now pretty rare.
During my time off work, it’s my chance to escape on my own personal vacation for a couple of days away from the city.
I’m exploring Idaho’s great mountains and landscapes, stationed off-the-grid in the backcountry. Documenting the experiences of road trips and hidden parking spots in the woods on my Instagram profile.
Sometimes, I get the chance to meet a new friend or fellow traveler and I try to pack an extra beer or two for such an occasion.
I was finally building a productive daily routine, and getting the hang of listening to my instincts and deciding if the next place to park (or camp) would be a safe option each night, even if it wasn’t dead silent.
But something was still missing — that sense of community.
And feeling like I belong — even if I didn’t have the fancy van the fun pets or the endless stories of exciting adventures. Sleepless nights were moving in, once again.
Summer was here, and it was time for me to put my first-ever chunk of savings into a fun road trip for a long week.
The curb appeal: An outsider’s perspective
Now that the trim was finished and the foundation was installed, I was racking my brain trying to personally justify what would make this SUV living lifestyle attractive — something I could brag about to strangers and acquaintances. I wanted to feel confident about setting long-term goals down the road, while still living in Big Red full-time for years to come.
When I was catching up on Instagram Stories from my favorite vanlifers and nomads, I came across the Adventure Van Expo:
“The Adventure Van Expo is a free show to the public based on the adventure vans, 4x4 rigs and the gear that makes it all happen. There will be activities, food, beer, fun and camping! Open house vans and demonstrations.”
Count me in! 4x4 rigs, amazing vans, beer, AND camping?! Heck yeah! Their next show was in Logan, UT — a 4.5-hour drive from my hometown in Boise, ID. Definitely doable! When I offered to help volunteer at the event, they even offered me a free camping pass, free admission, and a shirt! Very cool!
This would finally be my chance to take Big Red camping with other vanlifers and nomads.
Giving me the chance to see what these people are passionate about, what motivates them every day, and what they’re looking forward to next!
I was excited to share the stories of my downsize, my camping trips, and the conversion process to living full-time in my SUV!
However, event anxiety and personal self-doubts kept me awake throughout the nights before leaving for Utah: “A Van Expo? Dude, you’re in a SUV. You’re not one of these traveling nomads. You’re just going to be.. The Outsider. Whatever. Good luck.”
The Adventure Van Expo weekend had concluded, and it was everything I had imagined it to be. Stellar van builds from high-end manufacturers, loads of rugged accessories for Sprinter vans, Transits, and ProMasters, and an awesome nomadic community coming to camp together and experience this unique event.
I was glad that I moved my camping spot from parking with the staff — to throwing myself in with the vans, buses, and other vehicles that had purchased a camping pass.
I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from the other nomads about what this lifestyle meant for them every day. I had finally found my voice and established my identity in my loyalty to living full time in my SUV!
Today, if I were to explain to someone how I see myself within this amazing nomadic community, I’m proud to declare myself as The Outsider! Defined as, “a person who does not belong to a particular group.”
I don’t really belong with the vanlifers because I don’t have a van. I strive not to belong with the status quo — I couldn’t care less about retirement plans, 401k’s, mortgages, and tax breaks. Heck, I don’t even belong with nomads! I still have a job at the bowling alley in town where I work 5–6 days a week! I’m just not fitting in with any of you vagrant travelers, and I couldn’t be happier!
If you’re a newcomer to this kind of lifestyle, wondering where you’re going to fit in — get that thought out of your head!
Instead of trying to fit in — be known to stand out! Just don’t risk your personal health or safety. One of my favorite YouTubers, Chrome Valdez from “VANCITY VANLIFE” describes it best:
“Stealth van life is not necessary. Be proud of the life you choose to live. Share this van life journey with everyone. Remember Tiny Homes and the whole tiny house lifestyle is very popular and #vanlife is no different. When you don’t hide it, people will come say hi and ask you questions. The world is more curious than hateful.”
I decided to move into my SUV because it’s something much different than the Sprinters, ProMasters, Transits, and other Vans today.
I’m not glued to a video camera every day, trying to get a thousand views or a million new Instagram followers.
I’ve only decided to throw myself here in this narrative, and on my personal Instagram page, as another way for you readers to see how I enjoy this crazy thing we have here on Earth, called LIFE.
You may not have every answer to every creeping nightly question, but trust the process and keep your notebook handy!
When I wake up every morning, I’m reminded that how I see myself is not like anyone else I would ever meet — and that’s the way I’m keeping it!
Those aspects, to me, create the brightest, most attractive curb appeal.
The open house and sign-off: New keys given
If you’re trying to figure out what the next roof over your head would look like, whether it’s on gas-powered wheels or not, there’s not one concrete method to accomplish this massive step in life.
A first chapter of your future nomadic lifestyle could be opening your thoughts and wants with your friends and family — even those you haven’t spoken to in years.
Keep a notebook handy and don’t forget to check in with yourself during each step in the process. Do your research, trust your instincts, and remember to ask as many questions as possible — to yourself, your trusted friends, or family members.
I am passionate about connecting with those of you who want to be a part of this amazing nomadic community, even if you don’t want to spend the money and time on a humongous van conversion.
There are thousands of spirited van dwellers in the world today, but I’ve personally only met a handful of committed, full-time SUV-lifers like myself. I’d love to see that number grow someday.
My name’s Ryan Peterson. You can follow me on my Instagram page @BigRedx208. I hope to see you on the road someday! Cheers and Happy Travels!
